THD GateKeeper® and THD SphinKeeper® Methods: faecal incontinence surgery - THDLAB - CO UK

  • THD GateKeeper® & THD SphinKeeper® Methods: what are they?
  • THD GateKeeper® & THD SphinKeeper® operations: how are they performed?
  • Before and after surgery
  • Where is it possible to find the THD GateKeeper® & THD SphinKeeper® methods?

THD GateKeeper® & THD SphinKeeper® Methods: what are they?

Surgical treatment of faecal incontinence is often characterised by high levels of invasiveness.

Thanks to constant research in the medical field, minimally invasive surgical methods for treating incontinence are now available: THD GateKeeper® and THD SphinKeeper®. With these procedures it is possible to correct the problem of faecal incontinence without extremely invasive interventions.

In fact, the surgeon does not remove any tissue, but only makes small incisions on the skin around the anus in which he/she inserts special self-expanding prostheses. By correct implementation of these prostheses it is possible to create implant capable of supporting the functions of the anal sphincters.

However, only a rectal examination and exams such as anal manometry and transanal ultrasound will allow correct assessment and determine whether there is a need for surgery or not.

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THD GateKeeper® & THD SphinKeeper® operations: how are they performed?

THD GateKeeper® & THD SphinKeeper® are minimally invasive surgical procedures that can be performed under local anaesthesia. These procedures normally last a short time (30-40 minutes approximately) with reduced hospitalisation (normally a day case procedure).

The surgeon places special biocompatible prostheses between the internal sphincter and the external sphincter which are the muscles responsible for continence. The prostheses expand, improving the ability to control the containment and release of stools.

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Before and after surgery

  • before
    before the operation, the clinician may request diagnostic tests such as an anorectal manometry and a transanal ultrasound in order to assess whether there are the conditions for surgery and the most suitable technique.
  • after
    a rest period of about 48 hours is required, after which it is possible to resume usual activities. It is advisable to wait a few weeks before resuming more demanding physical activities. The surgeon will advise on eating and lifestyle habits that should be followed in the post-operative period, this is very important to allow for a successful outcome.
    No serious complications are reported in the literature during surgery or in the post-operative period. The post-operative period must be carefully monitored by the surgeon in order to check that the implants have adjusted and settled normally.
    A few days after surgery, many patients report a marked improvement in continence. Several scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of these procedures over the long term.
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Where is it possible to find the THD GateKeeper® & THD SphinKeeper® methods?

The THD GateKeeper® & THD SphinKeeper® methods are a solution for treating faecal incontinence and are used by many specialists in the UK and abroad.

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